Simon Cowell, famously known for his critical persona on American Idol, has shown a softer side since becoming a father to his son, Eric. This transformation is something Cowell himself readily acknowledges.
“After losing my parents, I truly believed I’d never experience that depth of love again. I thought that was it… until I saw his scan for the first time,” Cowell shared on The Kelly Clarkson Show in 2022.
“From that first scan, I was instantly captivated. Now, I can’t imagine my life without him. He’s the most incredible thing to ever happen to me. I absolutely adore him,” he added.
Cowell and his fiancée, Lauren Silverman, welcomed Eric in 2014. Since then, the America’s Got Talent judge has frequently expressed his love for his son and the joys of fatherhood. The pair have even collaborated on a children’s book series and share a passion for soccer.
Simon Cowell Shares Heartwarming Photos of Son Eric, 8, Meeting Chelsea FC Soccer Legends: ‘The Best’
Here’s everything you need to know about Simon Cowell’s son, Eric Philip Cowell.
Born on Valentine’s Day
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Eric Cowell with his parents Lauren Silverman and Simon Cowell at the VIP Preview of Hyde Park’s Winter Wonderland in 2016.
Eric was born on February 14, 2014, making his birthday Valentine’s Day. Simon immediately felt a strong connection with his son. Despite initial anxieties about fatherhood, becoming a dad felt natural from the start.
“I was made to be a dad,” Cowell told Extra shortly after Eric’s birth, highlighting the immediate and profound joy Eric brought into his life.
Named After His Grandfather
Shortly after Eric’s birth, Simon revealed that he named his son in honor of his father, Eric Cowell Sr., to whom he was very close. This touching tribute reflects the deep bond Simon shared with his own father and his desire to carry on the family name.
Simon’s publicist, Max Clifford, told PEOPLE that Simon aimed to build a similar relationship with his son as he had with his father. “It’s all about family for Simon,” Clifford explained. “He found immense comfort in his relationship with his parents. They were incredibly close.”
Clifford further elaborated that Simon wanted to replicate the strong father-son bond he experienced growing up with his own dad, emphasizing the importance of family lineage and connection for Cowell.
He Has an Older Half-Brother, Adam
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The Cowell and Silverman family: Simon Cowell, Lauren Silverman, Eric Cowell, and Adam Silverman at Simon’s Hollywood Walk of Fame ceremony in 2018.
While Eric is Simon’s first child, Lauren Silverman has a teenage son named Adam from a previous marriage. Adam and Eric have developed a close sibling relationship over the years. They have been seen together at family events, including a 2023 Easter celebration with Simon, Silverman, and Simon’s former girlfriend, Terri Seymour, and her family, showcasing a blended and harmonious family dynamic.
Simon has also expressed interest in expanding his family further. In an April 2023 interview with The Sun, he admitted, “Just recently, I was thinking, ‘It would be lovely to have another one.'”
He further told the publication, “Being a dad is the most wonderful thing to ever happen to me. I cherish every moment with Eric.”
Eric’s Positive Impact on Simon’s Life and Career
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Simon Cowell with Lauren Silverman and Eric Cowell attending the ‘America’s Got Talent’ season 18 finale in 2023.
Before Eric was born, Simon confessed that his life was overwhelmingly dominated by work. However, becoming a father shifted his priorities and brought a new sense of balance.
“If Eric hadn’t come into my life, I don’t know where I’d be,” the America’s Got Talent judge revealed to The Sun. “Before Eric, work consumed 99 percent of my life. I was completely obsessed.”
Simon has also shared that Eric gave him a renewed purpose after the passing of his mother in 2015. He credits his son with helping him through a very difficult period.
“When I lost my mum, I was spiraling downwards,” he admitted during an appearance on The Diary Of A CEO podcast in June 2024. “Without a doubt, Eric saved me. I had genuinely reached a point where nothing truly mattered.”
Later in June 2024, Simon told Hello! that “every decision I make now is made with Eric in mind,” highlighting how deeply fatherhood has influenced his life choices and perspectives.
Co-Author of a Children’s Book Series
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A candid photo of Simon Cowell’s son, Eric Cowell, shared on Simon’s Instagram.
In 2020, Simon announced an exciting project: he and Eric were co-creating a seven-book series titled Wishfits. The series is based on imaginative animal combinations they invented together, such as a Dat (dog/cat) and a Peep (pig/sheep), showcasing their creative collaboration.
“Writing a series of books with my son Eric has been truly magical,” Simon shared on Instagram, expressing his joy in working alongside his son on this imaginative endeavor.
Eric’s Influence on Simon’s Health Habits
In a 2022 interview with Extra, Simon mentioned that his son played a significant role in his efforts to reduce smoking. Eric’s earnest concern for his father’s health acted as a strong motivator.
“He is very strict,” Simon told the outlet. “If he catches me smoking, it’s like being disciplined by a teacher again. He becomes the teacher.”
This gentle but firm encouragement from Eric was effective. Simon explained that he was close to quitting, adding, “I have to sneak away behind bushes for my few puffs, and I can see him watching me. But I told him the other day, ‘Thanks to you, I’m almost done smoking!'”
A Natural on the Red Carpet
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Lauren Silverman, Eric Cowell, and Simon Cowell attending the Red Carpet event for “America’s Got Talent” Season 17.
While Simon and Lauren generally prefer to keep Eric away from the public eye, he has occasionally joined his parents on the red carpet, particularly to support his father’s work. In September 2022, he was seen posing with his parents at the America’s Got Talent finale, looking comfortable and stylish in a blue polo shirt, jeans, and Nike sneakers.
Eric has been attending his father’s shows since he was very young. Simon told PEOPLE that he cherishes seeing his son’s genuine excitement during live tapings.
“[Eric is a fantastic gauge of the show’s appeal],” Cowell noted in September 2023. “I often glance over to see if he’s enjoying himself. When he’s up on his feet, clearly thrilled, it’s the best validation. Kids offer such honest, unfiltered reactions.”
Eric is also starting to socialize with other children of celebrities. In April 2024, Simon mentioned to Woman magazine that Eric had a playdate with Bear, the son of singer Cheryl and Liam Payne.
“They get along really well,” Simon commented, indicating the budding friendships Eric is forming within celebrity circles.
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Television personality Simon Cowell and his son Eric Cowell attend the ‘America’s Got Talent’ quarterfinals taping in September 2024.
He made another rare red carpet appearance at the America’s Got Talent quarterfinals taping in September 2024, proudly posing for photographs with both of his parents, further demonstrating his growing ease in public settings.
Aspiring Britain’s Got Talent Drummer
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Eric Cowell at the ceremony honoring his father, Simon Cowell, with a Star on The Hollywood Walk of Fame in 2018.
In August 2023, Simon shared his son’s latest ambition: to become a drummer in a rock band and audition for Britain’s Got Talent. Eric’s passion for music, particularly rock music, is clearly developing.
“He’s now determined to audition for Britain’s Got Talent,” Simon revealed to Entertainment Tonight, adding, “I believe he wants to be in a rock band. Green Day is his favorite.”
Simon jokingly expressed his apprehension, “That’s going to be complete torture! Of everything I’ve ever done, this will be the hardest because he actually plays drums. And he wants to drum and sing! My reaction was, ‘Oh God, no.’ ”
However, a few weeks later, backstage at America’s Got Talent, Simon told PEOPLE that he actually hopes Eric “never” auditions for the show. “He is a good drummer,” he acknowledged about Eric’s talent. “He really is. Thankfully, it wasn’t the violin, but drums. And he’s genuinely good. He keeps rhythm and time. I keep telling him, ‘If you’re truly good, never go on the show!'”
